The three arrested from a forest area on the outskirts of Podapadar last night identified as hardcore ultra leader Sarbu Wadeka, who was a bodyguard of Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) president Nachika Linga, Wadeka Siku and Wadeka Jetu, police said.
The rebels are from Podapadar village of Narayanpatna block.
"Sarbu was in our wanted list for his involvement in a series of Maosit offensives in the area including murder, dacoity and kidnapping," said Superintendent of Police, Koraput, Awinash Kumar.
He had joined the Maoist outfit a few years ago and worked for Srikakulam-Koraput joint division committee of Andhra Odisha Border
